BobA said:
Reading more and more posts everywhere on-line, and looking at all of Testudo's posts and Google maps, etc. I have a couple questions for final clarifications.

We'll be staying at Great Expectations or something like that in Cayman Kai down the road from Rum Point on the lagoon side of road, for 1 week.

According to Testudo's maps, etc. there is a lot of good snorkeling along the reef just off shore to the east of Rum Point, from which one can almost float back to Rum Point from. Is this a 1/2 hour float, an hour float, or is this more to scale of a 10-15 float?

If you take the closer to shore "drift route" and the usual current avails itself you are looking at about 20-30 minutes of drift snorkeling assuming you leave from the Cayman Kai Public beach. If you head out to the Barrier Reef for better stuff, the lack of current lets you take as long as you want. For me, it is usually a 60-90 minute exploration before heading back to the beach at the Retreat.

It appears going to Rum Point is better after the cruise ship crowds have left. Is it really $10 for a drink and $7 for a tap beer? Do they really frown on one bringing a cooler to the beach area around the point, preferring that everyone get their libations from the Bar and Restaurant?

Cruisers are usually long gone by around 2:00. Drinks are expensive and you cannot bring your own to the Rum Point Club's section of beach. HOWEVER, the Rum Point Public Beach section is just past where the Jet Skis and Volley Ball Court. Same great water, just no lounge chairs and a downed tree or two, but you are free to bring any food and drink you want.

We will have bicycles to use locally. Is it necessary to hide or lock a bike when going to the area beaches?

Can't promise nothing will happen to them, but odds are they'll be there when you return.

I intend to explore north shore and east shore, as we will have 2 rental cars from McCurley. Are there recommended lunch points and beer/drink stops along the north and east shores?

Starting west and heading east your drink + lunch options are Kaibo Beach Bar (near Starfish Beach), Rum Point's Wreck Bar Beach Bar, Driftwoods (but it is closed), Over the Edge in Old Man Bay (nice deck and good basic seafood fare), Kurt's Corner in Old Man Bay by the gas station (local fare and a separate but affiliated bar, The bar/restaurants at the neighboring Reef and Morritt's resorts, Tukka (great food, but less of a drink only place, Miss Vivine's (local fare BYOB), The Lighthouse (most expensive), South Coast Bar & Grill (local and a local bar kinda place), the various jerk and fish fry places in Bodden Town you'll pass when initially driving out to Rum Point/North Side

I see there is a small grocery store, is this a good point to buy a cold beer and a cheaper price than a bar at Rum Point?

Beer and liquor can only be purchased at liquor stores, so best to buy the bulk of your expected needs on the way out to your rental and restock locally. Water Boys in Old Man Bay near the gas station and Jacques Scott by the Reef & Morritt's are the two closest liquor stores. (some bars may sell a 6-pk on the down-low)

As you may be able to tell, I'm on a budget. Some say cheap, but I'm used to finding inexpensive places in the BVI, and GC is sounding like quite a bit of sticker shock is in order.

The is an ATM at the shopping center by the Reef & Morritt's. Sounds like you'll need it. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

We will be doing Sting Ray city and leaving from Rum Point, most likely utilizing Red Sail. Is it best to wait for mid-late afternoon to go to SRC for less crowds? I have printed out the cruise ship schedule and see there are no-ship days.

Afternoon is best on cruise ship days, no ship in port days are even better.

I hope to do hiking in the gardens in central island, most seem to be small and short hikes, is this correct?

The nearby Mastic Trail is the only real hike available and it is about 2 miles IIRC. FWIW, I have not used the guide from the National Trust, but people swear it makes the hike way better.

We'll probably be doing 7 mile at least once during our stay, and will try to eat at less formal locations. Chicken-Chicken or something like that seems to be recommended for good island food. Is this correct? Or are there others?

Have lunch at Sunshine Grill at Sunshine Suites across from the Westin, Tim Buc Tuu or Alfresco's up in West Bay towards the Turtle Farm. Not super cheap like Chicken! Chicken!, but affordable for Cayman.

I'm still waiting on a map in the mail, and I understand McCurley's has a good map with car. So driving around shouldn't be a problem, but how about bicycling around. Is it safe enough to be out bicycling on the north road, or elsewhere?

You've got one road until you hit cayman Kai/Rum Point where there are a few small off-shoots. Easy-Peezy.

Any comments are welcome, now if I could only memorize all of Testudo's work, I'd be a tour guide.

If anyone in your party will have a browser available on an internet device (laptop, ipad, smart phone, etc..) you can always access my stuff from a free WiFi place (Kaibo, Over the Edge, the North Side Post office, Dunkin Donuts, etc...) <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for any assistance or information.

BobA
Stillwater, MN